How often does baby move at 21 weeks
How many times should my baby kick during pregnancy?
Hurray, you've started to feeling those flutters – or maybe even little kicks – made by your growing baby as they move about in your womb! And you may have heard or read about keeping track of how many of these movements you're feeling. But why is this important? How many movements should you expect to feel each day? And does that change as your due date gets closer?
"Each baby will develop their own individual pattern and some are just more active than others," says Nikki Khan, senior midwife at St George's University Hospital, London. "There’s no 'correct' frequency, as it's different for every woman. But your baby will develop a 'routine' and it's good to get to know what's normal for your baby."
- When will you first start to feel your baby move?
Aren't you supposed to count 10 kicks per day?
No, this is something pregnant women used to be told (there was a very successful 'Count to 10' programme that was widely endorsed by midwives). But now because it's known how very different one baby's movements can be from another's – some babies may move 4 times an hour, for example, while others move 100 times an hour – this has practice been discontinued.
Mums-to-be used to be asked to keep a record of their baby’s movements but it can be more worrying than reassuring, so we no longer do this
Nikki Khan, senior midwife, St George's Hospital
It's also really hard to compare what pregnant women call a baby movement: it could really vary, with some women 'counting' every tiny flutter and others maybe not noticing much beyond the really big kicks.
So, now it's all about staying in tune with your baby's regular movements. The idea is to get to know your baby's kicking habits and become aware of how active your baby is – so that, if anything changes away from that norm, you can ask your midwife to check it out.
More like this
Baby kick watch: week by weekOK, so we know that every baby is different but, despite that there are certain common patterns to baby movements that happen during your 2nd and 3rd trimester.
For example, you'll probably notice that your baby's movements will increase until you're 32 weeks pregnant and then, from then on, keep pretty much to the same frequency until you give birth.
We asked MadeForMum's expert midwife Anne Richley to outline what to expect:
- 8 to 12 weeks
You won't be able to feel anything yet but your baby is regularly moving around from about 8 weeks of pregnancy. Your baby's brain is sending messages to growing muscles, telling them to work, which in turn helps your baby to grow. Your baby is surrounded by cushioning amniotic fluid, acting as protection from any bumps and pressure. - 13 to 15 weeks
Some pregnant women, especially if those who've had a baby before, can start to feel slight movements at the very beginning of the 2nd trimester. However, this is very rare. - 16 to 24 weeks
This is typically the time period in which you will first feel that your baby moving – and if it's your 1st baby, it's more likely to happen after 20 weeks than before.
You might only feel a little flutter – also known as quickening – as your baby is still tiny It can be so slight, you might put it down to gas or indigestion. Whenever it happens, it's completely normal to then have a few days when you don't feel anything at all. - 24 to 28 weeks
This is when your baby's noticeable movement patterns will start to take shape. If you're busy working or looking after other children, you may not be aware of your baby's smaller actions and, as like as not, you'll find that, just when you start falling asleep, your baby starts to get lively! If you feel regular, jerky movements right about now, that could all be down to your baby having hiccups. Hiccups can last for 30 minutes at a time and are completely normal and won't harm your baby. They shouldn't be counted as movements however. The same goes for if your baby jumps after they hear a loud sound. - If your baby's pattern doesn't become clear exactly at 24 weeks, don't panic.
As long as your baby is moving, that's fine. You might find your baby develops a more regular pattern closer to 28 weeks. - 28 weeks
You may find your baby has developed a more regular pattern and you should be able to feel about 10 movements in a 12-hour period – but some of those may come very close together. Don't worry if your baby is quieter: just start familiarising yourself with what your baby likes to do.
From about 26 weeks, I've had a very active little boy in there but it took me a while to get into his pattern of moving and sleeping. If he has a very active day like yesterday, he will be quieter today
Writer73, on the MadeForMums forum
- 29 to 31 weeks
This is what your partner may have been waiting for: the grand reveal! Around this time you may be able to see your baby's movements from the outside, when the odd elbow or foot pushes out against your belly.
One of the best places to spot your baby moving is in the bath (find out how to run the safest temperature for your bath)
Since 28 weeks, it's been much more regular. Not so much a pattern but I feel my baby most evenings. The movements change. Now it's less kicks but more general movement. I can see bits of my belly expand when my baby moves!
Angel00, on the MadeForMums forum
- 32 weeks
Your baby will become really active now, changing position constantly, stretching their arms and somersaulting. In fact, your womb's a bit like a playground. This active phase will continue up until birth. There will still be a pattern to it. If you notice a reduction in your baby movements, talk to your doctor or midwife. - 36 weeks
After those weeks of tumbling and pushing around, most babies will start to move into a head-down position from 36 weeks, ready for the birth. As your baby gets into this position, you may feel gentle jabs from their arms and legs.
If you've had several babies before, will may find that your baby’s in what’s known as an 'unstable lie', where your baby flits between being head-down (cephalic), sideways (transverse) or bottom-first (breech). Your baby can do this several times a day, although this is extremely rare with a 1st baby. - 36 to 40 weeks. Your baby won’t be able to move so much now and you're likely to feel a more persistent kick underneath the ribs. The movements might have changed but the frequency should remain the same. If you notice any change, speak to your midwife.
What if I'm past 20 weeks pregnant and I can't feel any kicks?
Most pregnant women will have felt some flutterings by the 24th week of pregnancy. It's worth knowing that first-time mums-to-be tend to feel movements later on in pregnancy – so don't be disheartened by the mum who's having her 3rd and has been feeling movements since week 16.
Also, if you have an anterior placenta (where your baby's placenta is attached to the front – tummy-side – wall of your uterus, rather than the back – spine-side – or top or side), you may feel fluttering a few weeks later than the average pregnant woman does, because the placenta is acting as a kind of cushion between your baby and belly, so making movements harder to feel.
If you haven't felt any movements at all by 25 weeks, though, do contact your midwife.
- Read more about how anterior placenta can affect your baby's kicks
Are there certain times of the day when I should feel my baby move?
Babies can be active throughout the day and night, says Anne Richley, but they won't be continuously active so don't be worried if your baby has a rest for while. Babies don't always move, especially when they are sleeping.
Babies can sleep for anything from 20 minutes to 40 minutes, and sometimes they can even have a longer nap of anything up to 90 minutes.
You might also find that your baby's very active at night and in the morning, but you don't feel a huge amount during the course of the day. This is very normal as babies become very used to noise and your activity outside the womb and they often move more when you stop.
Think about how we walk around rocking a baby to sleep for comfort. It's the same thing when your baby's in your uterus.
So when you sit down and rest, your baby might wake up as the rocking stops.
When will my partner be able to feel my baby kick?
Your partner will often be able to feel your baby a few weeks after you feel the first kicks. Again, every pregnancy is different.
"I think it was around the 23-week mark when my baby got really active so that my husband could start feeling the kicks," says Lucy_Spoon on our MadeForMums Chat forum. "My baby usually goes quiet if her Daddy touches my belly (might be a good sign that he's going to be some sort of baby whisperer). Now that I am 34 weeks, when I'm giving hubby a hug in bed she kicks his back!"
What will make my baby move more?
You can probably second-guess half of the things that will make a baby move before you even experience it, such as:
- hot, cold or fizzy drinks
- caffeine
- ice
- sugary food
What will make my baby move less?
Some things that are likely to make your baby move less include:
- Taking painkillers
- Sedatives
- Drinking alcohol
- Smoking
”Also, if you haven’t had much to eat or drink that day, your baby may become lethargic and move less,” says Nikki Khan, "so have a light, nutritious snack and see if that helps.
"Sometimes, we're so busy, we're simply not concentrating on our baby and miss regular movements that way. If you're able to, take some quiet time to relax, and reconnect with your baby, focusing on feeling her move.
"A glass of ice-cold water will often get her moving – it’s thought that your baby can feel the change in temperature and will try to move away from it. If you’re at all worried, trust your instincts and call your midwife. She can have a listen and monitor you properly to put your mind at rest."
When should I seek medical advice?
"If you're concerned that your baby’s moving less than previously, you should contact your midwife who'll advise you to have your baby's heartbeat monitored to check everything’s OK," says Anne Richley. "In most cases, your baby will be moving but you're just not aware of it. Alternatively your baby might have altered positions, meaning you don't feel pushes or turning in such a defined way.
"Towards the end of your pregnancy, your baby has less room in which to do huge kicks or shoves, but you should still feel the same amount of moving, even it's slightly less strong, or feels different.
"Sometimes a significant reduction in movements can show that your baby is becoming unhappy in the womb, so it’s always important that you speak to a midwife, who can arrange for you to be seen quickly."
About our expert midwives Anne Richley and Nikki Khan
- Anne is a midwife with 22 years' experience. She is currently Matron for Community Midwifery Service at Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust. She has written a number of books on pregnancy and birth, including Your Baby’s First Yearand Labour & Birth.
- Nikki is passionate about midwifery care and qualified as a midwife in 1989. She has practised extensively as a Senior Midwife in the NHS and the private sector. She currently works at St George's University Hospitals NHS Trust and also acts as an Expert Midwifery Witness.
- When will I first feel my baby move?
- Anterior placenta: how can if affect my baby's kicks?
- What does the size of your bump mean?
Baby movements during pregnancy | Pregnancy Birth and Baby
Baby movements during pregnancy | Pregnancy Birth and Baby beginning of content5-minute read
Listen
An exciting landmark of pregnancy is when you first feel the sensation of your baby move.
These movements are a sign that your baby is healthy and well.
Every baby is unique, it is important for you to get to know your baby’s individual movement pattern. At any point, if you are concerned about your babies movement pattern, please contact your midwife or doctor immediately. Do not wait until the next day.
When will I feel my baby moving?
You will start to feel your baby moving between 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. The location of your placenta will not affect this sensation. It is more common for women having their second or subsequent pregnancies to feel their baby move earlier.
If you have not felt your baby move by 24 weeks, you should contact your doctor or midwife.
What will my baby’s movement feel like?
The type of movement you feel will depend on what your baby is doing and their stage of growth and development. Each baby is different, with some more active than others.
The first sensations you feel may be a fluttering (like 'butterflies in your tummy'), swishing, rolling or tumbling sensation or a tiny kick.
These early sensations are often called ‘quickening’. As your pregnancy progresses, the movements will become more distinct, and you will more easily feel their kicks, jabbing and elbowing.
How often should I feel my baby moving?
There is no set number of movements you should feel. As you start to feel your baby's movements more consistently, usually by 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy, you will get to know what a normal pattern of movement is for you and your baby. You should then consistently feel your baby's movements right up until they are born and even during labour.
Babies tend to move more at certain times of day – they may be more active while you sleep, and sleep while you’re awake. Usually, unborn babies sleep for 20-40 minutes cycles (occasionally up to 90 minutes), and they don’t move when they’re asleep.
Should I track my baby’s movement?
There are no set number of movements a baby should have, so counting kicks or recording on a chart is no longer recommended.
It is important to make time regularly each day to notice your babies’ movements. If you are busy or not paying attention it can be easy to miss this very important signal from your baby. If you are busy or working, it may be helpful to set reminders for yourself to check in with your baby.
Common myths about baby movements
- It is not true that babies move less towards the end of pregnancy.
- Having something to eat or drink does not help stimulate your baby to move.
What should I do if my baby stops moving?
If you haven't felt any movement from your baby by 24 weeks, see your doctor or midwife.
At any stage of your pregnancy, if you are concerned about your baby's movements, contact your midwife or doctor immediately. Do not wait until the next day. A slowing down of movement may be a sign that your baby is unwell.
Your doctor or midwife will invite you into the hospital and check your baby’s heart rate using a CTG Machine.
In some instances, you may also have an ultrasound.
What do I do if I have recurring concerns about my baby’s movements?
Remember you are the one who knows your baby’s movements best. It is important that whenever you are concerned about your baby’s movements to contact your doctor or midwife.
Contact your doctor or midwife again even if you have already seen them about your baby’s movements previously.
Speak to a maternal child health nurse
Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.
Sources:
Australian Family Physician (Decreased fetal movements: a practical approach in primary care setting), Mater Mother's Hospital (Pregnancy – your baby’s movements and what they mean), Raising Children Network (16 weeks pregnant), Miracle Babies (Your baby’s movements), PSANZ SANDA (Baby's Movements), Red Nose (Decreased fetal movements (DFM)), Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth (Movement matters)Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: April 2022
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21 weeks of pregnancy: sensations, signs, fetal development
Pregnancy
Article
2.9/5 194 reviews
21 weeks of pregnancy is a long-awaited time for mothers.
The sixth month has gone and the baby is gaining weight and increasing in size. This is a wonderful stage that brings us closer to the appearance of a small crumb and is accompanied by joyful manifestations.
4min. for reading Feb. 17, 2022
In order for mothers to be calm and balanced, they need to know what their fetus is going through during this period and what to expect from their body.
How does the baby feel at 21 weeks pregnant?
The pregnancy calendar indicates that at this time, all the indicators of the child are very different from those that were observed a few weeks ago. The fetus has grown, and its body has become stronger. His movements became clear and purposeful. Now mom will not miss his next push, which is felt more and more every week. The baby is more comfortable than ever - there is enough space in the uterus and he can move freely.
At the 21st week of pregnancy, it often happens that the biorhythm of mother and baby does not match, and he begins to actively behave in the evening, preventing the parent from sleeping. In this trimester, he already hears sounds well, so calm him down by telling a story or singing a lullaby. Light strokes on the stomach also help. nine0003
The child's activity now is an opportunity to assess his condition and comfort in the uterus. If the movements are frequent or very few, this may indicate a lack of oxygen. At 21 weeks, the norm is when the fetus performs 200 movements in 24 hours. However, most of them cannot be felt. During the day, mom manages to catch about 15 movements. The lack of oxygen is easily eliminated with frequent air walks, light exercise for moms and breathing exercises. nine0003
The size of the child has already changed. In length at this time, it reaches - 26.7 centimeters, while its weight is up to 360 grams. But this is not the limit. Its size will still increase, because the internal organs are still being improved.
First of all, this is the digestive system - it is preparing for full-fledged, independent work. The baby swallows amniotic fluid all the time so that they pass through the intestines. Thus, they are excreted through the rectum. It already has enzymes and hydrochloric acid in the digestive system in small amounts. The taste of the baby's first foods depends on what the mother eats, what drinks she drinks and whether she has bad habits. Therefore, it is important to lead a healthy lifestyle and eat healthy food. nine0003
How does the expectant mother feel at 21 weeks pregnant?
A woman's feelings during this period change - she constantly wants to eat, as the fetus becomes overgrown with fat and needs additional calories. Eat in moderation, but so as not to overeat and not feel hungry. Pregnancy at 21 weeks requires weight control, by this time you can recover by 4.5 - 6.5 kilograms.
Don't be surprised if you develop unusual food cravings and start liking strange food combinations - this is normal during this period.
Now you can not raise your hands above your head, and if this still happened, do not keep them in this position for a long time. The body is already preparing for childbirth, so colostrum can be released at this time. If this happens - do not press, keep hygiene and wipe the chest. Also watch for vaginal discharge - thrush may aggravate. If you find any problems in yourself, contact your doctor immediately. nine0003
Ultrasound at 21 weeks of gestation
The development of the baby occurs in each week of the "interesting position". And if everything goes in positive dynamics for you, then at week 21 the doctor usually prescribes a second planned ultrasound of all trimesters. During the ultrasound examination, the doctor will tell you about the following points:
- whether the fetus is developing normally;
- are there any threats;
- confirm or for the first time report the sex of the baby;
- how active and strong the baby is. nine0034
Ultrasound at 21 weeks is a necessary procedure that will help assess the condition of the baby and its level of development.
In addition, this is a good opportunity to exclude the presence of pathologies. During the examination, the doctor will carefully examine the baby's organs and compare their sizes with the dimensions of the fetus. Based on these data, conclusions are drawn about the nature of the course of pregnancy.
Nutrition tips for expectant mothers at 21 weeks pregnant
Remember that now the baby begins to recognize the taste of food, so it is worth eating only healthy and healthy foods, as well as leading a healthy lifestyle. In addition, some foods may be harmful to his small body. It is important to consider the following:
- do not eat excessively salty foods;
- do not overeat and eat up at night;
- get rid of the habit of malnutrition;
- divide the daily ration into frequent but small portions;
- take more vitamins;
- no alcohol.
These simple tips will improve your baby's condition and your health. 21 weeks pregnant is a great time to prepare for childbirth and enjoy your position.
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21st-24th week of pregnancy
21st week of pregnancy
Child development
At 21 weeks, the baby is about 25 cm tall and the fetus weighs 300-400 g. The fetus is very reminiscent of a newborn baby, however, due to the lack of subcutaneous fat, the body is still very thin and the head seems unnaturally large. At this time, the formation of eyelashes and eyebrows takes place, the baby learns to blink, and his skin gradually acquires a flesh color, thickens, constrictions appear on it.
At the 21st week, the muscles and skeleton of the fetus are actively developing.
The child constantly moves, carefully bends and unbends the limbs, due to its small size it can do somersaults, turns, change the position of its body several times a day, lie transversely in the uterus, turn up or down with its head. nine0003
At this stage, the baby hears well, not only distinguishes sharp sounds, but reacts to music, so the expectant mother can listen to classics or favorite songs, and contribute to the development of the child. The development of the digestive system continues, taste buds are formed. The fetus is able to distinguish the taste of amniotic fluid.
Pregnant woman
Pregnant woman at 21 weeks feels normal. The expectant mother clearly feels the movements of the fetus; very often, the periods of sleep and activity of the child and the woman do not coincide, so pregnant women do not get enough sleep during this period, they wake up at night due to the intensive movements of the baby. Painful sensations at this time are quite rare, since the child does not have sufficient physical strength, and his movements do not differ in intensity.
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A pregnant woman may put on weight as the baby grows, its muscle and fat mass increases. Expectant mothers eat with pleasure. Their appetite increases significantly, morning sickness and general malaise disappear.
At this time, the baby's skeleton is formed, for the development of which calcium is needed. Pregnant women should monitor their health, take calcium supplements as prescribed by a doctor, since if it is lacking, problems with teeth are possible. Calcium is washed out of the tissues, the teeth begin to hurt and crumble. It is important not only to consume vitamins, but also to carefully balance the diet, add calcium-rich cottage cheese, sour cream and other dairy products to the daily menu. The consumption of fish, cereals and legumes, vegetables will help to fill the calcium deficiency. nine0003
22nd week of pregnancy
Child development
The body length of the fetus reaches 28-30 centimeters, and its weight is approximately 500 g.
The child more and more resembles a newborn, his head no longer looks so big, the length of the limbs increases. The kid no longer keeps his legs constantly bent, he periodically straightens them. Intensively increases the volume and mass of the child's brain. nine0003
The baby is in constant motion, he can move his fingers and toes, move his head to the right and left. The child knows how to suck his thumb, he tilts his head forward and accurately puts his finger in his mouth. Such actions indicate an increase in sensitivity and development of the vestibular apparatus, improved coordination; the child already feels the position of his own body in space.
The baby's brain at this time contains a complete set of neurons, the number of which does not change throughout a person's life. With age, only the re-formation of connections between cells and the improvement of the work of the human brain takes place. nine0003
Pregnant woman
At 22 weeks, the uterus of a pregnant woman is located 2 cm above the navel.
The abdomen is not yet very large, but the internal organs are already beginning to shrink due to the accelerated growth of the uterus. A woman may experience some discomfort, pain between the lower ribs. In order not to suffer from pain, you must constantly monitor your posture, choose a comfortable chair with a solid back for work. Special exercises, periodic changes in body position, turns and inclinations will help to solve the problem. It is necessary to avoid sedentary work, take short breaks and fully relax. nine0003
The fundus of the uterus can press on the stomach, so a common problem at this time is a feeling of heaviness after eating and heartburn. The position of the stomach in pregnant women changes to a more horizontal one, the muscle relaxes, which closes the transition from the esophagus to the stomach, as a result of which the contents of the stomach fall back into the esophagus, irritate it, the woman feels a burning sensation and an unpleasant aftertaste. The reason for such changes is not only the pressure of the uterus on the stomach, but also a change in the hormonal background of a woman, an increase in the content of progesterone in the body.
To get rid of heartburn, you need to chew food thoroughly, eat often, but in small portions. Do not eat before going to bed, as the food will not have time to be digested. If the symptoms worsen, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will prescribe the necessary medications and help the expectant mother balance her diet. nine0003
23rd week of pregnancy
Child development
The 23rd week is an intensive formation of the respiratory system. The fetus begins to gradually make respiratory movements. If earlier the respiratory movements were periodic, now their duration can reach up to 40 minutes. In a minute, the child takes up to 50-60 breaths. The development of the respiratory system does not stop at this time, a kind of breathing exercises continue until childbirth, the baby improves skills and prepares to breathe air. nine0003
When breathing in the womb, the baby swallows a small amount of amniotic fluid and then pushes it out. In this case, the epithelium is washed.
When amniotic fluid is swallowed, part of it is absorbed by the blood vessels, and the original feces, that is, meconium, are formed from the remnants.
If the baby is very active and swallows water very intensively, diaphragm irritation and contractions, also called "fetal hiccups", may occur. These rhythmic movements are not abnormal; such hiccups pass in a few minutes, does not pose a threat to the expectant mother and child. If the contractions do not stop within a few hours, you should go to the hospital, as a more serious problem, including hypoxia, can be the cause of hiccups. nine0003
The 23rd week is an important stage in the intrauterine development of a person. It is at this time that the formation and improvement of the main components of the circulatory and immune systems, including the liver, lymph nodes, spleen and bone marrow, continue. At this time, the thymus gland (or thymus) develops, which plays an important role in the functioning of the human endocrine system.
It is in the thymus that lymphocytes mature. After a kind of "training" in the thymus, the cells enter the bloodstream and can resist infection, neutralize foreign cells in the body. nine0003
During pregnancy, the fetal immune system goes through several stages of formation and cannot provide full protection against diseases. The baby is protected by maternal antibodies, while its own immune system learns to recognize potential threats, remember bacteria and viruses, and defend itself against their harmful effects.
Pregnant woman
At 23 weeks' gestation, the uterus rises even higher and is located at a height of 4 cm from the woman's navel. The volume of the uterus increases significantly not only due to the growth of the child, but also due to an increase in the mass and volume of amniotic fluid and the placenta. At this time, the weight gain of a pregnant woman of 5-7 kg is optimal. The expectant mother should carefully monitor the daily diet, do not overeat, since excessive weight gain can pose a threat not only to her health, but also to the baby.
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Intensive growth of the uterus causes a shift in the center of gravity. A woman becomes awkward, may feel discomfort in the joints and pain in the spine while walking or sitting for a long time. At this time, the doctor may recommend that a pregnant woman wear special supportive underwear made from natural materials or a bandage.
24th week of pregnancy
Child development
At 24 weeks of gestation, the baby continues to grow rapidly, he weighs already 600 g, and his height is approximately 33 cm. The fetus occupies the entire uterine cavity, so its movements become less impulsive, but more distinct; sharp movements are replaced by smaller ones. The baby can still radically change the position of his body, but prefers to sort out the umbilical cord, play with it, bend and unbend the arms and legs. The amount of muscle mass, namely the muscle fibers of the child, increases sharply. At this time, this indicator reaches its maximum. At later stages of pregnancy, the muscle mass of the fetus increases due to an increase in the volume of each muscle fiber.
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This week the child's senses are being improved. He knows how to distinguish tastes, hears perfectly and orients himself in space, the baby's skin has a high sensitivity. The fetal brain continues to develop, connections with the senses are formed, so the child's behavior is characterized by a high degree of complexity. Studies have shown that the child reacts to external stimuli: if a bright light hits his mother's stomach, he turns his head away, closes his eyes or covers his face with his hands. A woman should be calm and peaceful, because her fear, excitement is transmitted to the child, he begins to move intensively or freezes abruptly. The baby may react to harsh sounds, noise, or other stimuli. nine0003
Pregnant woman
The weight of the pregnant woman continues to increase, the increase this week is about 500 g. The belly grows, the uterus not only increases in size, but also stretches. A woman may notice pain in the abdomen, but they do not differ in intensity and do not last long.
